A Lyman man received a 30-year prison sentence for repeatedly stabbing his wife and lying next to her in bed for nearly 12 hours while she almost bled to death.

Christopher Allen Middleton, 44, was found guilty of attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime at the conclusion of a three-day jury trial.

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The crime happened June 19, 2014.

The victim’s father and a friend visited the Middleton’s house hours later because the victim missed a doctor’s appointment and they were concerned about her.

Christopher Middleton answered the door with a bloody knife in hand and blood on his clothing. He fled the house while the father’s friend called 911.

Emergency workers found 50-year-old Undra Cohen Middleton covered in blood with five stab wounds to her chest, left shoulder and her right hand. A medical helicopter was utilized to rush Middleton to Spartanburg Medical Center for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

During an interview with sheriff’s deputies at the hospital and to her father and friend prior to being transported, the victim identified her husband as the person who stabbed her.

Middleton said her husband became violent after learning she was working to get a divorce.

Middleton was hospitalized 18 days and multiple surgeries were needed to repair her injuries.

Gilmer utilized forensic evidence along with testimony from lay witnesses, medical professionals and law enforcement to prove the case.

Christopher Middleton will serve 85 percent of Circuit Judge Mark Hayes’ prison sentence before he is eligible for release. His prior criminal record includes convictions for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, criminal domestic violence, false imprisonment, stalking, criminal conspiracy, escape, grand larceny, third-degree burglary and possession of crack cocaine.